Home / JUNE PEP TALK: VTE AND HE

JUNE PEP TALK: VTE AND HE

Date: June 11, 2024

Time: 7:00 pm

Did you know that the overall risk of blood clots is slightly higher in men than in women? That risk increases as men age, and certain male cancers — including prostate cancer — leads to a higher incidence of blood clots. Hear from three patients as we unpack the male blood clot experience.

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Erin VanDyke Appointed as VP of NBCA’s VTE Centers of Excellence™

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Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of B

Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of Black maternal mortality in the U.S. Research shows that many of these deaths are linked to C-sections. Black women are more likely to give birth by C-section than any other racial group.

The National Blood Clot Alliance stands with the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and other Black maternal health advocates to shine a spotlight on these inequities.

We are attending the Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute to spread awareness of life-threatening blood clots among pregnant and postpartum Black mothers.

Use the checklist at the link in bio to assess your risk for blood clots during pregnancy and postpartum.

#stoptheclot #BMHC24 #BlackMamasMatter #blackmaternalhealth #healthinequities #knowyourrisk #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotprevention @blackmamasmatter

"I had an appointment with my PCP on October 5, 20

"I had an appointment with my PCP on October 5, 2019 for shortness of breath. I could barely walk to my car from his office door. My lower legs were hurting. I was 56 and on no medications. He referred me to a cardiologist.

The following day, after my morning coffee, I could hardly walk. I noticed my left leg to be super hot and red with some swelling.

I called my PCP’s office and a nurse picked up. She asked me if I thought I could drive. I said yes. (Don’t do this, by the way.) She told me to go to the ER immediately. I went to a small hospital in the town where I lived.

The ER doc Immediately did bloodwork, including a D-dimer test. It came back indicating that I likely had a DVT, which he expected after looking at my leg.

He wanted to scan my heart and lungs just to be sure, so off I went to imaging. Honestly, I was feeling pretty well, except for the shortness of breath. The pain in my legs had subsided a bit.

The ER doctor returned, and he did not have a good poker face! It scared me.

Doc said, “You have multiple, bilateral pulmonary emboli. You have minutes.” And, he knocked on the door, which was a signal to the care team outside. Four people were on me like bees on honey!

As he continued on, he asked: “Have you been throwing up blood? Have you had any pain in your chest?”

“No,” I said.

He continued, “Your vitals are all good. This is amazing, because you never see that.”

I spent five days in the ICU. I didn’t exactly have the best follow-up care, but I ultimately landed with a great hematologist!

I experienced PTSD, but thankfully my new PCP recognized it and I got help.

In terms of risk factors, I have prothrombin factor II and my hematologist suspects both of my sons have it as well.

My advice to others is research, research, research, and do genetic testing if your doctor recommends it."

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #pulmonaryembolism #pe #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #prothrombinfactor2 #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #ptsd

Calling all venous blood clot survivors: Let your

Calling all venous blood clot survivors: Let your voice be heard! Take part in a research study about the experiences of patients with venous blood clots at the time of diagnosis and treatment, feelings concerning clinical studies, and willingness to participate in further discussions on clinical study design.

This survey is confidential. For more information and to participate in the study, see the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #patientsurvey #venousbloodclotsurvey #bloodclotpatients #bloodclotsurvivors #patientresearch #bloodclotresearch

We regret to inform you that tonight’s PEP Talk

We regret to inform you that tonight’s PEP Talk has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We will soon provide you with an update as to when it is rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding.

"In 2022, I was running three times a week trainin

"In 2022, I was running three times a week training for my first half marathon when I noticed swelling and cramping in my left leg . I shrugged it off as overtraining or a Baker cyst behind my knee.

Until that point, I had been a very healthy 44-year-old wife, mom, and teacher. I never in a million years would have thought I had blood clots in my legs, but that was my diagnosis: two blood clots partially blocking the popliteal vein in my left leg. I was shocked, scared, and very uninformed.

I immediately started apixaban 5m twice a day, which comes with its own challenges. I also began to rebuild and fine-tune my mental health, which can be compromised with an unexpected diagnosis.

I have learned to adapt and navigate all the challenges of being a survivor. I ultimately ran my race and have continued to persevere and run several more races. I don’t know why this condition came to me, as all genetic markers known are negative, but it has taught me to never give up and do what I can when I can.

A special thank you to Stop the Clot. You have helped me and so many people live with this condition with grace and dignity."

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #patientstory #bloodclotstory #deepveinthrombsis #dvt #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotsurvivor #marathontraining

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join us Tuesday, September 10

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join us Tuesday, September 10 at 7 p.m. for our next PEP Talk, where we discuss how a wide range of factors influence the risk of blood clots across different populations.

Did you know that in addition to genetics, there are factors such as social determinants of health, environmental conditions, and climate change that can all influence the risk of blood clots?

Empower yourself with knowledge and attend this informative session! Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #peptalk #onlinewebinar #bloodclotriskfactors #knowyourrisk #climatechange #socialdeterminantsofhealth #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

"I was walking my dog when I suddenly felt weaker

"I was walking my dog when I suddenly felt weaker with every step. I needed to sit down on the ground repeatedly throughout the walk. I had chest pains, shortness of breath, and I felt faint.

I called my family and went to the emergency room. It turned out that my D-dimer levels were high. Then I had X-rays, which showed several clots in my lungs.

I was shocked and wondered how this could happen to me at only 27 years old. I was also sad because I was supposed to start my new job the next day, but wouldn’t be able to work for a few weeks.

I was hospitalized immediately and treated with low molecular weight heparin. I also had an ultrasound of the heart to confirm that it had not been affected. I am still being treated with low molecular weight heparin.

They did not find any cause for why I had clots. However, I have an autoimmune disease that they cannot completely rule out as a cause, but otherwise, all tests looked good. I am grateful that I sought care in time.

I have always been taken seriously within the Swedish healthcare system. But after this experience, I sometimes feel scared and worried about what might happen in the future, especially when I don’t have an answer as to why this happened. The doctors have told me to come at the slightest suspicion of a clot.

After suffering from blood clots at such a young age, I have become more grateful for life with each passing day. You can’t take anything for granted."

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #pulmonaryembolism #pe #pesurvivor #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

Stay in the know with the latest in blood clot res

Stay in the know with the latest in blood clot research, treatment, and survivor stories! The September issue of the National Blood Clot Alliance monthly newsletter drops TODAY, packed with resources and updates for the blood clot community.

Don’t miss out—subscribe now and join a growing network of survivors dedicated to living their best lives after blood clots.

Sign up at the link in bio!

#stoptheclot #newsletter #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotnews #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotpatients #bloodclotsurvivors

The New York Marathon is just two months away and

The New York Marathon is just two months away and training for Team Stop the Clot runners is in full swing! As the November 3 race date draws near, we’re showcasing each of the remarkable individuals who will run the iconic 26.2 miles in support of NBCA.

Tori DeMyer is an anticoagulation pharmacist at a hospital and she’s also a pulmonary embolism survivor. After suffering a PE in 2022 while training for her first marathon, her healing has come full circle as she trains for the 2024 New York Marathon on Team Stop the Clot.

“I work closely with the blood clot community and would love to show how much it means to me,” Tori said.

Support Tori’s marathon fundraiser for NBCA at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #nycmarathon #nycmarathon2024 #bloodclots #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient #anticoagulants #pulmonaryembolism #pe #pesurvivor #bloodclotawareness

"I am a healthy 30-year-old woman. Or at least I t

"I am a healthy 30-year-old woman. Or at least I thought I was.

This summer, I was getting my 1-year-old ready for the day. I lifted him onto the changing table and started to feel light headed. I grabbed him and put him on the floor and sat down to catch my breath, but I never did catch it.

I laid on the floor with difficulty breathing. I could hear my 3-year-old daughter in her room crying out for me. It gave me motivation to try crawling to her room, but the door was closed and I couldn’t open it.

I crawled across my house to find my phone. I called my husband (who did not answer), our small business (my mom did answer) and then 9-1-1.

We live in a rural area and my parents and husband beat the ambulance to our house to find me a shade of blue and laying on the floor unable to breathe.

I needed to be resuscitated twice at my rural hospital. They did not know what was going on and they decided at some point to administer a clot buster. My stats improved. They stabilized and sedated me then transported me to a bigger hospital.

At that hospital, I was diagnosed with a blood clot saddled on both lungs. I underwent a procedure to try to break the clot and it did not work. The blood clot had damaged my heart.

I was transferred to another hospital. They kept up the medicine and I was taken off sedation 24 hours later. Miraculously, I improved! Doctors told me they believed my embolism was caused by hormonal birth control.

My diagnosis shook me. It’s been a few months and I’m home and doing better each day. My clot is still shrinking and I haven't been able to do genetic testing yet. The doctors think that after the six month mark it will be safe to do so.

I'm physically able to do everything I could do before my PE. However, the anxiety it causes me each day is new.

This is one of those things that you know is a risk of birth control, but think it will never happen to you. The crazy part is I had seen my OB/GYN the day before and was fine. I’m permanently on blood thinners and grateful for the people who continue to help me live each day."

More stories at link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #hormonalbirthcontrol #ruralhealthcare

"I was an active 40-year-old woman. I ran every da

"I was an active 40-year-old woman. I ran every day and had 3 sons who kept me busy.

I noticed for over a month that I would have calf pain during my daily runs. Since I only had pain while running, I figured it was related to exercise.

As a 4th grade teacher, back to school rolled around, and during the very first week of school, I started to notice a subtle pain in my left rib area. Again, I didn't give this much thought at all. Back to school is a super busy time as a teacher and a mom, so I hadn't even mentioned this nagging pain to anybody.

After about 4 or 5 days of rib pain, I woke up in the middle of the night and felt like I couldn't breathe. Every inhale and exhale was now a stabbing pain. In addition, I had a low-grade fever and shortness of breath when I went up and down stairs.

Something was obviously wrong, but I was healthy and active, so a pulmonary embolism was not on my mind. I started at an urgent care clinic where they did an x-ray to take a look at my ribs. The X-ray revealed fluid around my lung.

I am so thankful that the urgent care doctor, out of an abundance of caution, sent me straight to the hospital for a CT scan that revealed that the symptoms I was having were actually from a pulmonary embolism.

The calf pain I was feeling for a couple of months prior was a DVT. I am now a year out from this experience and am back to being active and enjoying life with my family.

Doctors considered all risk factors, and I didn't have any. All blood tests were negative for any clotting disorders. Doctors determined that my pulmonary embolism was unprovoked. For a few reasons, I will be on blood thinners for the rest of my life. I am so fortunate that my story turned out the way it did.

Before this, I did not know anyone else who had DVT or PE. Recovery was very lonely at first and I found myself visiting the Stop the Clot website frequently. Reading the stories of other people helped me to know I wasn't alone and to learn that a lot of what I was feeling was normal.

My advice to others is to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Don't be shy to reach out to professionals if something does not feel right!"

#stoptheclot

💞 Happy Matchmaker Day! Today, we’re celebrat

💞 Happy Matchmaker Day! Today, we’re celebrating all kinds of matches—especially the ones that can make a difference!

Did you know that many employers offer donation matching programs? By taking a few moments to check if your employer matches donations, you could double the impact of your gift to the National Blood Clot Alliance.

Why it matters:

- Double the support: Every dollar you donate could be matched by your employer, meaning more resources for raising awareness and saving lives.

- Easy and impactful: It’s a simple way to make your contribution go even further, without any extra cost to you.

👉 Take action: Use the link in bio to see if your employer has a matching gifts program. Simply check the box next to "Would you like your employer to match?" to search the database of eligible companies.

If so, after submitting your donation, you’ll automatically receive an email with the instructions to submit your match request to your employer. It’s that easy!

#stoptheclot #nationalmatchmakerday #corporatematchingprogram #donationmatch #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotsurvivor #donate

"On January 28, 2024, I took a hard fall and I tho

"On January 28, 2024, I took a hard fall and I thought I just pulled my calf. I elevated my leg, iced it, applied heat, and continued working out three to four times a week.

By February, my left calf had swollen up. I thought maybe I had sprained it so I used the massage chairs and foam roller at the gym, but nothing was helping. My calf started to feel heavy. This started to worry me, as my aunt had passed away years ago from a pulmonary embolism.

My husband convinced me to go to urgent care. The doctor was a little concerned with the swelling but was confused that I didn’t have excruciating pain. They drew blood and gave me a D-dimer test, which indicated a blood clot was likely.

I was told to go to the emergency room immediately. I was so nervous as I had flashbacks of what happened to my aunt. At the ER, they took another blood test and confirmed my clot, but unfortunately, they didn’t have an ultrasound tech and told me that I would have to come in the following morning to get an ultrasound of my left leg.

They did inject me with a blood thinner in my stomach because they were very sure that I had blood clots, but they sent me home. The next morning I came in for an ultrasound and found that I had two blood clots: one in my popliteal vein and the other in my posterior tibial vein. They sent me back to the emergency room where I was prescribed rivaroxaban and compression socks.

On March 20, I was at work and started to feel excruciating pain on the top of my left foot and my pulse kept racing. I went to the ER and they found a tiny PE. They told me to continue on rivaroxaban and check in if anything got worse. I still have swelling in my leg but I remain active and positive!"

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotawareness #dvt #deepveinthrombosis #pe #pulmonaryembolism #bloodthinners #knowyourrisk

🩸 Blood clot survivors, we want to hear your st

🩸 Blood clot survivors, we want to hear your story! 🩸

Your journey is powerful. By sharing your experience, you help raise awareness, provide support, and offer hope to those who are facing similar challenges. Every story matters!

🗣️ Why share?

- Raise awareness: Help others recognize the signs and risks of blood clots.

- Inspire others: Your story could be the beacon of hope someone needs.

- Build community: Connect with fellow survivors and create a supportive network.

- Heal: A blood clot can be emotionally devastating. Writing and sharing your story can help you process your experience.

Share your story at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotstory #bloodclotawareness #pesurvivor #dvtsurvivor #bloodcloteducation

If you have an Olympic-sized void in your life now

If you have an Olympic-sized void in your life now that the 2024 Paris Summer Games are over, take heart. The 2024 Paralympic Games kicked off yesterday and run until Sept. 8, showcasing incredible athletes from around the world. They have overcome immense challenges and are setting new standards of excellence.

We’re in awe of these athletes, including those who have triumphed over blood clots (clockwise):

Tatyana McFadden (US, wheelchair track and field): Widely regarded as the fastest woman in the world, Tatyana returned to racing after overcoming DVTs in 2017 and now serves as team captain.

Alexa Leary (Australia, swimming): In 2023, this triathlete crashed her bike while and sustained multiple injuries, including blood clots and a severe traumatic brain injury. Incredibly, she returned to competitive swimming less than a year later.

Courtney Ryan (US, wheelchair basketball): A college soccer star, Courtney suffered a spinal cord injury caused by a blood clot in 2010. After recovering, she was introduced to wheelchair basketball and quickly excelled in the sport.

Bruna Alexandre (Brazil, table tennis): Bruna, who lost her right arm due to a blood clot as an infant, made history as the first Brazilian to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics.

Join us in cheering on these extraordinary athletes as they compete on the world stage!

Listen to Tatyana’s inspiring story on our podcast at the link in bio!

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #paralympics #2024paralympicgames #paris2024 #tatyanamcfadden #brunaalexandre #alexaleary #courtneyryan #bloodclotsurvivor @bruninha_alexandre @courtneyryan_55 @tatyanamcfaddenusa @alexa_leary

As the fall semester gets underway, it's the perfe

As the fall semester gets underway, it's the perfect time to make informed decisions about your health. If you're considering birth control, it's essential to understand that options containing estrogen — including the pill, patch, or ring — carry an increased risk of developing blood clots, especially for individuals with additional risk factors, such as:

- Smoking: Women who smoke (especially those 35 and older) face a significantly higher risk of blood clots.
- Overweight: Excess weight can contribute to a heightened risk.
- Family history: A family history of blood clots may increase your likelihood of experiencing them.
- Prolonged immobility: Long periods of inactivity, such as during travel or after surgery, can raise the risk of blood clot formation.

Given these risks, it's important to consider safer alternatives. Non-hormonal methods, such as condoms or copper IUDs, offer effective birth control without the added risk of blood clots. Progestin-only options, like the newly available over-the-counter Opill, also will not increase the risk of developing a blood clot.

Choosing the right birth control is a deeply personal decision. It's essential for individuals with a personal or family history of blood clots to discuss their specific medical history with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and guidance on the most suitable birth control options that balance contraceptive effectiveness with safety regarding clotting risks.

Complete the women’s risk assessment at the link in bio and share the results with your healthcare provider to aid in this decision.

Stay informed and make the best choice for your health!

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #birthcontrol #opill #estrogenfreepill #bloodclotprevention #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention #knowyourrisk #bloodclotriskfactors

"After 20+ hours of flights from Bali to Oregon, I

"After 20+ hours of flights from Bali to Oregon, I was dehydrated from severe 'Bali Belly.' I felt a cramp in my calf several hours after landing. Over the next two days, the pain and tenderness escalated sharply and spread throughout my lower leg. As a former ultramarathon runner, it felt like I’d raced 50 kilometers uphill on that leg.

Suspecting DVT, I went to urgent care, where my heart rate was recorded at 136. They sent me to the ER, where scans confirmed I had both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my calf and a pulmonary embolism (PE). Doctors believe dehydration combined with the long flight triggered this. I’m now on apixaban for six months.

I coach indoor cycling and was told not to cycle for an unspecified time. So I coach off the bike. Also, I can’t get a full body massage or chiropractic care for now. I’m also worried about getting another PE, but I can only control so much.

I have gotten so much conflicting advice from doctors and nurses. It’s frustrating. The NBCA patient community is empowering! Thank you!

My advice is to connect with others with these conditions, gather as much information as possible to empower yourself so you and your doctor(s) can make the best decisions together."

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #travel #balibelly #dehydration #deepvein thrombosis #dvt #pulmonaryembolism #pe #bloodclotawareness #travel #bloodthinners

Did you know that World Thrombosis Day takes place

Did you know that World Thrombosis Day takes place every year on October 13 to turn the world’s attention to blood clots?

Blood clots can be fatal, but they are also preventable. Help us spread awareness by participating in NBCA’s fifth annual virtual Fun Run between October 11-14 to commemorate World Thrombosis Day.

Here are the details:

- Virtual walk/run celebrating World Thrombosis Day
- Pick your distance: 10K, 5K, or a 1-mile course
- Registration is $30
- Complete the course of your choosing anytime between October 11-14

Super-charge your impact by creating your own fundraising page and encouraging people in your life to support you. All registrations and donations are 100% tax-deductible!

Register at the link in bio!

#stoptheclot #worldthrombosisday #wtd #funrun #nbcafunrun #charityrun #bloodclotawareness #racetostoptheclot #bloodclotprevention

The New York Marathon is less than three months aw

The New York Marathon is less than three months away and training for Team Stop the Clot runners is in full swing! As the November 3 race date draws near, we’re showcasing each of the remarkable individuals who will run the iconic 26.2 miles in support of NBCA.

“This year, I will run alongside my best friends Hilary and Emily in memory of Hilary's dad, Mike, who died recently of a pulmonary embolism. I hope that my fundraising not only helps raise money to prevent and treat blood clots, but also raise awareness about this cause. Mike's passing had a profound impact on so many of us, and I sincerely hope that I can help prevent another family from enduring such a devastating loss.”

Support Kalie’s marathon fundraiser for NBCA at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #teamstoptheclot #nycmarathon #charityrace #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclots @nycmarathon @teamstoptheclot

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐶 In honor of Nat

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐶

In honor of National Dog Day, we’re sharing a heartwarming story that shows just how incredible dogs can be.

Meet Vaughn Marshall, a 48-year-old from Melbourne, Australia who’s calling his dog Luna his lifesaver. Last week, after a routine walk, Vaughn collapsed outside his home, struggling to breathe and unable to move. It turned out to be a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Luna, his Jack Russell terrier, knew something was wrong. She ran from house to house, desperately searching for help. A kind neighbor spotted Luna, followed her back, and called an ambulance. Vaughn is now recovering, all thanks to Luna’s quick thinking and love.

"Who knows what the outcome might have been if Luna hadn't been there," Vaughn said.

If you have a dog who supported you during your blood clot diagnosis and recovery, we would love to hear about it! Tell us in the comments! Let’s celebrate our amazing companions together!

More about Vaughn and Luna at the link in bio!

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #nationaldogday #dogs #lifesavingdog #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #pulmonaryembolism #pe #melbourneaustralia

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